Answer
The throat is the anterior part of the neck and includes the pharynx, esophagus, larynx and trachea. The trachea is anterior to the esophagus so food must pass over the opening of the trachea to get into the esophagus. This means that there is always the possibility that during swallowing --when food is headed for the esophagus--that some particles may slip into the trachea. This usually results in irritation of the trachea and resultant coughing to expel the errant food particles.
Work Step by Step
The throat is the anterior part of the neck and includes the pharynx, esophagus, larynx and trachea. The trachea is anterior to the esophagus so food must pass over the opening of the trachea to get into the esophagus. This means that there is always the possibility that during swallowing --when food is headed for the esophagus--that some particles may slip into the trachea. This usually results in irritation of the trachea and resultant coughing to expel the errant food particles.